Learn More About Depression Online at:

Depression in women - hormones, pregnancy and menopause

The connection between the biochemical and psychological make up of women and depression is a strong one. It is estimated that women are two to three times more likely to suffer from a form of depressive disorder during their lifetimes than men.

The reasons behind this gender disparity in the prevalence of depression are complex and have been the focus of numerous psychological and epidemiological studies over the years.

Possibly the most common explanation as to why women are more susceptible to depression than men lies in the theory that the biological and physical make up of women automatically puts them more at risk of developing depressive symptoms. This is particularly true from puberty onwards, when fluctuating hormone levels wreak havoc on the body both physically and emotionally. Similarly, during and after pregnancy women may be particularly vulnerable to depressive disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

In addition to biological factors, psychological factors are also thought to play a substantial role in the predisposition of females to depression. Although times are indeed changing, young women are still nevertheless being raised to be subordinate to men in the sense that they are still schooled to be carers and nurturers. They also tend to be more affected by the environment around them, and strive for perfection both physically and otherwise. This predefined social role both increases the pressure which they place on themselves to please others and increases the likelihood that they will be subjected to some form of abuse during their lifetime.

Statistics suggest that more than 35% of women will endure some form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse in their lifetimes. The effects of any form of abuse on the human psyche can be devastating and in many instances repressive defence mechanisms may take over. The result of this is that depressive and anxiety disorders may only manifest years after the actual abuse took place.

Socially, women tend to approach tasks both in and outside of the work place very differently to the manner in which their male counterparts do. In addition, the manner in which women deal with stressful situations differs in the sense that women are more likely to blame themselves for failings, while men are more likely to blame their environment. Men become aggressive and confrontational and in many cases develop a substance dependency. Women on the other hand become withdrawn and critical of their own actions. This internalization of emotions leads to feelings of worthlessness and guilt which may aggravate the onset of depression.

To be sure your depression is not as a result of addiction - please see our sister site Guide4Living on drug abuse and addiction.

Pink Fridge Online Magazine > dating online > marriage counselling > wedding planning guide > pregnancy symptoms & advice > how to work at home > car insurance advice > overcome depression > hairloss in women > weight loss > diet pills > skin care > tanning > baby gifts > planning a funeral > shopping for perfume > shopping for earrings > shopping for engagement rings > shopping for sunglasses > shopping for shoes > shopping for wedding favours > shopping for wine

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Depression in Women

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising |  Subscribe in a reader